As springtime marches on and our weather begins to warm, it’s finally time to start enjoying the outdoor again. It has already become warm enough of some days to warrant the use of our air conditioning systems—but is yours operating as efficiently and effectively as it should be?
When it gets hot and we experience that all-too-familiar humidity, we understand that you want a peace of mind that your cooling system is prepared to handle whatever comes its way. If you found last year that yours was about to call it quits, then now is definitely the time to consider a new Hayden, ID air conditioner installation.
Determining Factors
There’s really no simple answer to the question of how much an air conditioner installation will cost. It’s dependent on a few different factors. For example, having a ductless system installed could potentially cost more than having a traditional central unit put in—however, if you don’t already have air ducts in your home to accommodate a central system then this adds complexity to the installation, and subsequent additional costs.
Our team is ready to help you decide what type of air conditioner is best for your specific home and needs. However, we want you to be aware of the number of cost considerations there are.
Consider System Efficiency: This is one of the biggest contributors to the cost of a cooling system installation. Air conditioners come with what’s called a SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating. This tells you the level of system efficiency. The lowest SEER being manufactured today is 14, while the highest is 20. It’s generally safe to assume that the higher the SEER rating, the more your system will cost, but this also depends on what type of air conditioner you buy.
Consider Air Duct Placement: Do you already have a central furnace in place? Or, is your new central air conditioner replacing an old central unit? If you answered yes to one or both of these questions, then you already have ductwork in place. This can be good news to cut costs on the installation of a new central air conditioner. However, if the condition of your air ducts is poor, or if they weren’t professionally installed to begin with, you may need to invest in duct repair services in order to really enjoy the benefits and efficiency of a new air conditioner. Keep in mind though, this will add costs on top of your installation.
Consider the Size of Your Home: You’ll need to ensure, with our team’s help, that the AC system that you have installed is correctly sized for your home. If it is not large enough, then it cannot possibly cool your living space effectively. However, it can also be too large—in this case it will go through a process called short-cycling, where it rapidly cycles on and off, which is not efficient at all. Do not let an amateur service professional try to convince you that you should go as large as your budget allows. This can end up being a very costly mistake.
Consider Community Rebates: What if you could recover some of the costs of your air conditioner installation? We have good news—this may be possible! Many communities reimburse homeowners when they have high-efficiency systems and appliances installed, since reduced energy helps the environment overall. Check here for programs in your area.
ACI Northwest is here to help with your home comfort needs or concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today with any questions, or to schedule services!